Here are some energy efficiency tips to implement at home this spring:
● Change daily habits like reducing energy use from 4-9pm and doing laundry with cold water.
● Invest in home upgrades like using LED light bulbs and choosing Deep Green 100% renewable energy.
On Sunday, March 12, we set our clocks forward one hour (not you, Hawaii and Arizona) for Daylight Saving Time (DST)! DST was first implemented in the United States during World War I as a temporary energy-saving measure to encourage people to spend more time outside and use less electricity in the evenings. Spring forward this Daylight Saving Time to better energy habits with these energy efficiency tips.
Things you can do at no cost, just by changing daily habits:
- Avoid running large appliances like the dishwasher, washer, and dryer during peak hours from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Try doing your laundry with cold water to keep energy costs down. On average, 18% of a home’s energy costs are from heating water.
- See if you qualify for MCE’s Home Energy Saving Program. Energy savings for eligible multifamily properties are available as well.
- Open shades and windows to take advantage of natural light and longer days.
Invest in home upgrades:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use 70−90% less energy.
- Choose Deep Green 100% renewable energy for about $5 more a month for an average household.
- Reseal your windows with weather stripping, caulk, glaze, or window treatments to seal air leaks and save on energy costs.
- Prioritize energy efficiency upgrades by conducting a do-it-yourself home energy audit before investing in a professional home energy assessment.
Spring is a great time to start working on improvements that will make your home more energy efficient year-round. The more efficient we are with our energy use, the easier it is to keep energy reliable, affordable, and sustainable for everyone.
